In   Ancient Rome,   Ancient Greece,   Ancient Israel,   Ancient Egypt counting systems revolved around using a range of alpha (or some other character) to specify individual numbers.

In Ancient Babylon, a positional column setting using a base-60 set of numbers were used. The right column covered numbers 1-59, next column to the left covered (1-59)*60, and so on. If a fraction was necessary, a further column would be set up on the right. A zero value was indicated by leaving a space in that column. Division was done by multiplication, using the number's reciprocal (as set out in tables).

This base-60 system was useful for measurements of time (minutes and seconds), and also space (the 60 degree angle used in 6 equilateral triangles set out in a hexagon could establish perimeters and areas for any point on the compass). See the image below for these Babylonian numerals.

 

For further background see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_mathematics

Click here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counting_rods regarding the base-10 set of counting rods as were used in China.

Finally, click here for the base-10 set of Persian/Hindu numerals. These Indian numerals as the Persians first called them back just prior to the time of Christ, were then used by the Jews and the Arabs, then by the West, and are now used worldwide.